Happiness.

Blog post question.

3b. In a child’s game of musical chairs, one child is clearly the winner. Should the organizers of the game give each child the same prize in order to not hurt anyone’s feelings? Or should children be taught at an early age how the world usually works? Which of these 2 approaches is likely to produce the happier child?

I believe that the child who won should be given the prize. If the organizers decide to have something small for the participants to show for participation that is their choice, but the winner should be recognized for his/her accomplishment. If you live in a communist society where everyone is mediocre they must be treated the same no matter how well they perform, then they will award all the children. Those in an individualism community will breed patriotism thus resulting in a happier child. 

I know for a fact that when a child works hard and/or wins they come to feel more accomplished and feel as though they actually earned the award given to them creating a want and a desire to become something more. Not everyone can be perfect in all they do, but what we excel at should be acknowledged when appropriate without making others feel less than us. We need to celebrate our accomplishments that set us apart and in return be excited for others when they achieve their accomplishments.  What would be the point in doing better at certain things when you know that you will still receive the prize? What good can come from building their confidence when there is nothing to back it up with? When we do not win we learn from our mistakes,( hopefully) letting us know where we need to improve. 

 How would it be to be just like every other person around you, almost like a robot? Our accomplishments set us apart and help shape and mold a better person for the community. Those kids that are awarded the same will be momentarily happy but in the long run they will be unhappy and feel as though there is nothing that sets them apart from anyone else. Their wins, goals and accomplishment will bolster them and make them happier throughout life helping them become a better person. Not all rewards need to be outwardly recognized, many times the inner feeling of accomplishment is stronger than a reward that is outward and usually is momentarily justified.